38.029 BF600 - Elachistidae - Elachista luticomella

38.029 BF600 - Elachistidae - Elachista luticomella - Yellow-headed Grass-miner - (Zeller, 1839)

Adult Micro: CAT 2 - Confusion Species - Leaf-miner: CAT L - The leaf or a Photo required -

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- click for Specific Verification Guidelines

- Uncertain/Unknown - Insufficient Data - Leaf Miner

Taxonomy: Micro >> Elachistidae

Other Name/s: Yellow-headed Dwarf

ID Difficulty: amber

- care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.
Confusion Species: Elachista albifrontella,
Elachista atricomella.

ID pointers: An attractively marked little moth that favours grassland. A yellow head, overall blackish grey with varying spots/blotches of creamy white, and can show a cross-band at one third from wing base. Can be confused with Elachista albifrontella & Elachista atricomella.

Distribution: (First record: 1952 ) - (Last record: 31/05/2024 at Staunton Harold Reservoir ) - No reported records since 1952, until c12 were sweep-netted at Staunton Harold Reservoir on 31st May 2024. Two were taken for Genitalia Determination, by Graham Finch, and were identified to this species. Suspect the species is common, just over-looked. If in doubt with ID then CAT 4 applies.

Flight Period: June / July / August / - On the wing in the evening during June-August

Mine Period: January / February / March / April / May / September / October / November / December / - Long white gallery mine

Moth Activity: Crepuscular - active from dusk into the night

*** Last updated on 10 March 2025 by RP ***

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Wingspan: 10-11mm

Food Plant: Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata).

Last Recorded Date: 31/05/2024

Last Recorded By: Graham Finch

Last Recorded General Area: Staunton Harold Reservoir

First Recorded Year: 1952